China aims to fully integrate general aviation equipment into all areas of production and life by 2030, creating a market in the scale of RMB trillions.
(Image credit: CnEVPost)
China has issued a new guideline to promote the development of general aviation equipment, mentioning support for flying cars.
China aims to basically establish a modernized general aviation basic support system and complete the general aviation public service equipment system by 2027, according to an implementation plan for the innovation and application of general aviation equipment (2024-2030) released yesterday by four ministries including the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
By then, new general aviation equipment featuring unmanned, electrified and intelligent technologies will be commercially applied in areas such as urban air transportation, logistics and distribution, and emergency rescue, the plan mentioned.
The country's goal is to see more than 20 replicable typical application demonstrations by 2027, create a number of low-altitude economic application demonstration bases, and form a number of brands and products, according to the plan.
By 2030, general aviation equipment will be fully integrated into all areas of production and life, becoming a powerful driving force for low-altitude economic growth and forming a market in the scale of RMB trillions, the program mentioned.
To achieve these goals, the document lists a number of priority tasks, including advancing the airworthiness certification of large and medium-sized fixed-wing aircraft, plateau-operable helicopters, and drones, as well as putting them into operation.
China supports the development of smart air mobility (SAM) equipment, and promotes the airworthiness certification of a number of new consumer general aviation equipment, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), according to the document.
The country encourages the research and development of flying car technology, product validation and exploration of commercial application scenarios, the document said.
China has been gradually relaxing controls on low-altitude airspace over the past few years and has been conducting pilot low-altitude flights in some provinces, including Hunan, in an attempt to promote the development of a low-altitude economy.
Since last year, some eVTOL makers have obtained type certificates for their flying cars, laying the groundwork for commercial operations.
On October 13, 2023, Chinese eVTOL developer Ehang said it EH216-S received an official type certificate from the CAAC.
On March 22, Autoflight, another Chinese eVTOL maker, said it received a type certificate for its V2000CG unmanned aerial vehicle.
Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car subsidiary of Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV), has also filed a type certificate application for its modular flying car.
On March 21, Xpeng Aeroht said the application was accepted by the CAAC and the airworthiness validation phase will start soon.
Xpeng Aeroht applies for type certificate for its modular flying car
